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Major British Writers

English 201 is a requirement for most English majors. Students who will be taking the English 200-203 series are urged to take English 201 first, although following the chronological sequence is not mandatory. English 201 is an intensive survey of important literary works from the 14th through the 17th century. This course introduces students to early periods of English literary history. Assignments will include selections from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, a play by Shakespeare, and Milton's Paradise Lost. In addition, samples from some other writers will be discussed. This course will also teach students important research methods, using on-line and other sources.

This class will introduce students to some of the major works of the Medieval and Renaissance periods. We will be reading excerpts from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Spenser's Faerie Queene, Sidney's Astrophil and Stella, Wroth's Pamphilia to Amphilanthus, a number of Renaissance plays (including Shakespeare) and Milton's Paradise Lost. There will be weekly written responses, two papers, a final exam and enthusiastic class participation.